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Literacy and parental involvement to reduce the number of incarcerated youth

INTERIM STUDY REPORT
Public Safety Committee
Rep. Steve Martin, Chairman
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Interim Study 13-124 (combined with IS-125 & IS-127), Rep. Kevin Matthews
October 22, 2013
Literacy and Parental Involvement to Reduce the Number of Incarcerated Youth
Lisa Smith, Executive Director, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
 Panel created in 2012 mandating OCCY to administer the Oklahoma Children of Incarcerated
Parents Advisory Committee;
 In 2009, 4,624 minor children with an incarcerated mother in Oklahoma. The number of minor
children with an incarcerated father was 21,482.
 Children are affected by trauma, financial hardship, social stigma, insecurity and instability,
and neglect.
 Need to recognize that these children exist; acknowledge the problems they face; provide
counseling and programs to provide the support necessary.
Deidra A. Kirtley, Executive Director, Resonance Center for Women
 Resonance promotes and supports the well-being and self-sufficiency of women and their
families challenged by their experience with the criminal justice system.
 60% of convictions of women in Oklahoma are due to substance abuse;
 Addressing root problem of addiction reduces incarceration, recidivism and saves taxpayers
and the state millions.
 Resonance provides diversion services, reentry support services and mentoring.
 Referrals come from Tulsa County Drug Court, child welfare, TANF, probation and parole,
Community Sentencing.
 Resonance has a 77% completion rate.
Carmen Pettie, Director, Technical Institute of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
 Women coming out of prison need assistance connecting to jobs, increasing their education or
accessing other essential social services in order to reintegrate.
 Barriers to occupational licensing are a major problem;
 Communities should reinforce commitment to giving second chances.
Kim Johnson, Deputy Director, Chief Innovation Officer, Tulsa County Library
 Literacy is a major contributor to low family income.
 Must increase the skills and educational levels of under-educated parents;
 Provide a path to post-secondary education and employment;
 Improve the quality of parent and child interaction, and adults’ parenting skills in support of
their children’s learning;
 Prepare children for the school experience.

INTERIM STUDY REPORT
Public Safety Committee
Rep. Steve Martin, Chairman
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Interim Study 13-124 (combined with IS-125 & IS-127), Rep. Kevin Matthews
October 22, 2013
Literacy and Parental Involvement to Reduce the Number of Incarcerated Youth
Lisa Smith, Executive Director, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
 Panel created in 2012 mandating OCCY to administer the Oklahoma Children of Incarcerated
Parents Advisory Committee;
 In 2009, 4,624 minor children with an incarcerated mother in Oklahoma. The number of minor
children with an incarcerated father was 21,482.
 Children are affected by trauma, financial hardship, social stigma, insecurity and instability,
and neglect.
 Need to recognize that these children exist; acknowledge the problems they face; provide
counseling and programs to provide the support necessary.
Deidra A. Kirtley, Executive Director, Resonance Center for Women
 Resonance promotes and supports the well-being and self-sufficiency of women and their
families challenged by their experience with the criminal justice system.
 60% of convictions of women in Oklahoma are due to substance abuse;
 Addressing root problem of addiction reduces incarceration, recidivism and saves taxpayers
and the state millions.
 Resonance provides diversion services, reentry support services and mentoring.
 Referrals come from Tulsa County Drug Court, child welfare, TANF, probation and parole,
Community Sentencing.
 Resonance has a 77% completion rate.
Carmen Pettie, Director, Technical Institute of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
 Women coming out of prison need assistance connecting to jobs, increasing their education or
accessing other essential social services in order to reintegrate.
 Barriers to occupational licensing are a major problem;
 Communities should reinforce commitment to giving second chances.
Kim Johnson, Deputy Director, Chief Innovation Officer, Tulsa County Library
 Literacy is a major contributor to low family income.
 Must increase the skills and educational levels of under-educated parents;
 Provide a path to post-secondary education and employment;
 Improve the quality of parent and child interaction, and adults’ parenting skills in support of
their children’s learning;
 Prepare children for the school experience.